Modular cladding panels for buildings and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A system (10) for covering an exterior external surface of a building includes cladding alignment features attached to the external surface of the building according to a predetermined pattern and cladding panels (100). Each cladding panel includes a structural frame (130), a substrate (110) attached to a first, external, surface of the structural frame, and fasteners (200) that are formed on a second, internal, surface of the structural frame. The fasteners are arranged according to the same predetermined pattern as the cladding alignment features, such that each of fasteners can be aligned with and attached to a corresponding one of the cladding alignment features. Each of the fasteners is attachable to a corresponding one of the plurality of cladding alignment features. The building is formed from multiple modular units assembled together. Each of the plurality of cladding panels is affixed to one or more of the modular units.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 63/112,965, which was filed on Nov. 12, 2020, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to theconstruction of modular construction units. In particular, the presentlydisclosed subject matter relates to a connector system for constructinga building by assembling a plurality of modular units to rigidlyinterconnect the modular units to resist separation forces in thevertical and/or lateral directions, as well as associated methods ofmanufacture thereof.

BACKGROUND

In the field of modular construction, buildings are constructed from aplurality of pre-fabricated modular building units assembled togetheraccording to a plan of assembly for the final structure of the building.Such modular building units can include, for example, one or more roomswithin the building. Such modular building units are pre-fabricated at alocation (e.g., a factory) away from the site where the building (e.g.,any suitable structure, including a temporary or permanent structure) isbeing constructed, transported to the building site, and assembled perthe specifications of the building being constructed. In order to ensurethat the structure is sufficiently watertight, it is often necessary toaffix an exterior cladding, which can be both decorative and functional,over the exposed surface of the modular units that are on an outersurface of the building after the modular units are assembled togetherduring construction of the building. However, it is also required duringassembly of the building being constructed to precisely align adjacentmodular units and to attach the modular units rigidly together. Somemodular units that are designated as being on an external surface of thebuilding being constructed may have exterior cladding panels alreadyaffixed thereto during pre-fabrication of the building units. However,this pre-affixing of cladding panels is still disadvantageous in thatthere will inevitably be seams present between cladding panels ofadjacent modular units that must be filled or otherwise hidden.Additionally, such pre-affixed cladding panels are much more likely tobe cosmetically and/or structurally damaged during transport of themodular units and/or during assembly of the building being constructed.To the contrary, however, damage to an external surface of a modularunit to which a cladding panel is not affixed will likely not need to beremediated, unless structural in nature, because such damage would behidden from view after the cladding panel(s) have been affixed to themodular unit. As such, a need exists for a suitable cladding panel forcovering the exterior of a modular unit that can be precisely aligned toensure fast and repeatable positioning and fastening of the claddingpanel to the external surface of the modular unit, or units, and whichis capable of providing a suitable weather-resistant barrier to preventwind and/or water intrusion within the building after all of the modularunits have been assembled together per the schematics of the building.

SUMMARY

According to an example aspect, a cladding panel for covering anexternal surface of a building is provided, the cladding panelcomprising: a structural frame; a substrate attached to a first,external, surface of the structural frame; and a plurality of fastenersthat are formed on a second, internal, surface of the structural frame,the plurality of fasteners being arranged according to a predeterminedpattern. Each of the plurality of fasteners is configured for attachmentto a corresponding one of a plurality of cladding alignment featuresattached on the external surface of the building. The plurality ofcladding alignment features are arranged on the external surface of thebuilding according to the predetermined pattern, such that each of theplurality of fasteners is configured for alignment with, and attachmentto, one of the plurality of cladding alignment features.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises one or more openingsformed entirely through a thickness of the substrate, each of the one ormore openings corresponding to an opening formed in the external surfaceof the building.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises a siding materialattached to a surface of the substrate that is opposite a surface of thesubstrate by which the substrate is attached to the structural frame.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, each of the plurality offasteners comprises a tapered slot; each of the plurality of claddingalignment features comprises an alignment peg; each alignment pegcomprises a collar and a head attached to an end of the collar, the headhaving a width that is greater than a width of the collar; and the widthof the head is greater than a width of a narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, each of the plurality offasteners comprises a tapered slot; each of the plurality of claddingalignment features comprises an alignment peg; each alignment pegcomprises a collar and a head attached to an end of the collar, the headhaving a width that is greater than a width of the collar; the width ofthe head is greater than a width of a narrow end of the tapered slot;and each tapered slot is oriented such that, when the cladding panel isaffixed to the building, the alignment peg is moved into the narrow endof the tapered slot and held in place by a gravitational force.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the substrate comprises awaterproof finish panel.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises a gap between thesubstrate and the external surface of the building when the claddingpanel is installed on the exterior surface of the building.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises a gap between thesubstrate and the external surface of the building when the claddingpanel is installed on the exterior surface of the building; the gap isfilled, either partially or entirely, with a rigid insulation layer.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the plurality of fastenersare formed in the second surface of the structural frame in a unitarymanner.

According to another example aspect, a system for covering an externalsurface of a building is provided, the system comprising: a plurality ofcladding alignment features attached to the external surface of thebuilding according to a predetermined pattern; and a plurality ofcladding panels. Each of the plurality of cladding panels comprises: astructural frame; a substrate attached to a first, external, surface ofthe structural frame; and a plurality of fasteners that are formed on asecond, internal, surface of the structural frame, the plurality offasteners being arranged according to the predetermined pattern, suchthat each of the plurality of fasteners is configured for alignment withone of the plurality of cladding alignment features. Each of theplurality of fasteners is configured for attachment to a correspondingone of the plurality of cladding alignment features. Each of theplurality of cladding panels is configured for affixing to one or moreof the modular units.

In some embodiments of the system, one or more of the cladding panelshas a width of at least two of the plurality of modular units that arelaterally adjacent to each other.

In some embodiments of the system, the building comprises a plurality ofmodular units assembled together to form the building.

In some embodiments of the system, the building comprises a plurality ofmodular units assembled together to form the building and the systemcomprises a plurality of connectors affixed to exterior surfaces of eachof the plurality of modular units, wherein the plurality of claddingalignment features are rigidly attached to and extend from theconnectors for engagement with the fasteners, and wherein adjacent onesof the plurality of connectors interlock with each other to secureadjacent ones of the plurality of modular units together.

In some embodiments of the system, one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels comprises one or more openings formed entirely through athickness of the substrate thereof, each of the one or more openingscorresponding to an opening formed in the external surface of thebuilding.

In some embodiments of the system, each of the plurality of claddingpanels comprises a siding material attached to a surface of thesubstrate that is opposite a surface of the substrate by which thesubstrate is attached to the structural frame.

In some embodiments of the system, for one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; and the width of the head is greater than a widthof a narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the system, for one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; the width of the head is greater than a width of anarrow end of the tapered slot; and each tapered slot is oriented suchthat, when one of the plurality of cladding panels is affixed to theexternal surface of the building, the alignment peg is moved into thenarrow end of the tapered slot and held in place by a gravitationalforce.

In some embodiments of the system, the substrate comprises a waterprooffinish panel.

In some embodiments of the system, each of the plurality of claddingpanels comprises a gap between the substrate and the external surface ofthe building when the cladding panel is installed on the exteriorsurface of the building.

In some embodiments of the system, each of the plurality of claddingpanels comprises a gap between the substrate and the external surface ofthe building when the cladding panel is installed on the exteriorsurface of the building; the gap is filled, either partially orentirely, with a rigid insulation layer.

In some embodiments of the system, the plurality of fasteners areintegrally formed in the second surface of the structural frame.

According to another aspect, a method of covering an external surface ofa building is provided, the method comprising: producing a plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of cladding panels comprising: astructural frame; a substrate attached to a first, external, surface ofthe structural frame; and a plurality of fasteners that are formed on asecond, internal, surface of the structural frame, the plurality offasteners being arranged according to a predetermined pattern; arranginga plurality of cladding alignment features on the external surface ofthe building according to the predetermined pattern; aligning each ofthe plurality of fasteners with a corresponding one of the plurality ofcladding alignment features on the external surface of the building; andattaching each of the plurality of fasteners to the corresponding one ofthe plurality of cladding alignment features.

In some embodiments of the method, producing the plurality of claddingpanels comprises, for one or more of the plurality of cladding panels,forming one or more openings through an entire thickness of thesubstrate, each of the one or more openings corresponding to an openingformed in the external surface of the building.

In some embodiments of the method, producing the plurality of claddingpanels comprises, for one or more of the plurality of cladding panels,forming one or more openings through an entire thickness of thesubstrate, each of the one or more openings corresponding to an openingformed in the external surface of the building, the method furthercomprising attaching a siding material to a surface of the substratethat is opposite a surface of the substrate by which the substrate isattached to the structural frame.

In some embodiments of the method, the building comprises a plurality ofmodular units assembled together to form the building.

In some embodiments of the method, the building comprises a plurality ofmodular units assembled together to form the building and the pluralityof cladding alignment features are rigidly attached to connectorsaffixed to exterior surfaces of each of the plurality of modular units.

In some embodiments of the method, for one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; and the width of the head is greater than a widthof a narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the method, for one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; the width of the head is greater than a width of anarrow end of the tapered slot; and orienting each tapered slot suchthat, when the cladding panel is affixed to the building, the alignmentpeg is moved into the narrow end of the tapered slot and held in placeby a gravitational force.

In some embodiments of the method, the substrate comprises a waterprooffinish panel.

In some embodiments of the method, the cladding panel is attached to thebuilding such that a gap exists between the substrate and the externalsurface of the building.

In some embodiments of the method, the cladding panel is attached to thebuilding such that a gap exists between the substrate and the externalsurface of the building, the method further comprising filling the gap,either partially or entirely, with a rigid insulation layer.

In some embodiments of the method, each of the plurality of fasteners isformed in the second surface of the structural frame in a unitarymanner.

According to another example aspect, a building is provided, thebuilding comprising: a plurality of modular units assembled together toform the building; a plurality of connectors affixed to exteriorsurfaces of each of the plurality of modular units, the plurality ofconnectors comprising a plurality of cladding alignment features,wherein the plurality of cladding alignment features are rigidlyattached to and extend from an external surface of the buildingaccording to a predetermined pattern; and a plurality of claddingpanels. Each of the plurality of cladding panels comprises: a structuralframe; a substrate attached to a first, external, surface of thestructural frame; and a plurality of fasteners that are formed on asecond, internal, surface of the structural frame, the plurality offasteners being arranged according to the predetermined pattern, suchthat each of the plurality of fasteners is configured for alignment withone of the plurality of cladding alignment features. Each of theplurality of fasteners is configured for attachment to a correspondingone of the plurality of cladding alignment features. Each of theplurality of cladding panels is affixed to one or more of the modularunits.

In some embodiments, the building comprises a plurality of modular unitsassembled together to form the building.

In some embodiments, the building comprises: a plurality of modularunits assembled together to form the building; and a plurality ofconnectors affixed to exterior surfaces of each of the plurality ofmodular units, wherein the plurality of cladding alignment features arerigidly attached to and extend from the connectors for engagement withthe fasteners, and wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of connectorsinterlock with each other to secure adjacent ones of the plurality ofmodular units together.

In some embodiments of the building, one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels comprises one or more openings formed entirely through athickness of the substrate thereof, each of the one or more openingscorresponding to an opening formed in the external surface of thebuilding.

In some embodiments of the building, each of the plurality of claddingpanels comprises a siding material attached to a surface of thesubstrate that is opposite a surface of the substrate by which thesubstrate is attached to the structural frame.

In some embodiments of the building, for one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; and the width of the head is greater than a widthof a narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the building, for one or more of the plurality ofcladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; the width of the head is greater than a width of anarrow end of the tapered slot; and each tapered slot is oriented suchthat, when one of the plurality of cladding panels is affixed to theexternal surface of the building, the alignment peg is moved into thenarrow end of the tapered slot and held in place by a gravitationalforce.

In some embodiments of the building, the substrate comprises awaterproof finish panel.

In some embodiments of the building, each of the plurality of claddingpanels comprises a gap between the substrate and the external surface ofthe building when the cladding panel is installed on the exteriorsurface of the building.

In some embodiments of the building, each of the plurality of claddingpanels comprises a gap between the substrate and the external surface ofthe building when the cladding panel is installed on the exteriorsurface of the building and the gap is filled, either partially orentirely, with a rigid insulation layer.

In some embodiments of the building, the plurality of fasteners areintegrally formed in the second surface of the structural frame.

According to another example aspect, a cladding panel for covering asurface of a building is provided, the cladding panel comprising: astructural frame; a substrate attached to a first, external, surface ofthe structural frame; and a plurality of fasteners that are attached toa second, internal, surface of the structural frame, the plurality offasteners being arranged according to a predetermined pattern; whereineach of the plurality of fasteners is configured for attachment to acorresponding one of a plurality of cladding alignment features on anexternal surface of the building; and wherein the plurality of claddingalignment features are arranged on the external surface of the buildingaccording to the predetermined pattern, such that each of the pluralityof fasteners is configured for alignment with, and attachment to, one ofthe plurality of cladding alignment features.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises one or more openingsformed entirely through a thickness of the substrate, each of the one ormore openings corresponding to an opening formed in the external surfaceof the building.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises a siding materialattached to a surface of the substrate opposite a surface of thesubstrate by which the substrate is attached to the structural frame.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the building comprises aplurality of modular units assembled together to form the building.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the plurality of claddingalignment features are rigidly attached to connectors affixed toexterior surfaces of each of the plurality of modular units.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, each of the plurality offasteners comprises a tapered slot; each of the plurality of claddingalignment features comprises an alignment peg; each alignment pegcomprises a collar and a head attached to an end of the collar, the headhaving a width that is greater than a width of the collar; and the widthof the head is greater than a width of a narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, each tapered slot is orientedsuch that, when the cladding panel is affixed to the building, thenarrow end of the tapered slot is configured such that gravity acts toretain the alignment peg within the narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the substrate comprises awaterproof finish panel.

In some embodiments, the cladding panel comprises a gap between thesubstrate and the external surface of the building.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the gap is filled, eitherpartially or entirely, with a rigid insulation layer.

In some embodiments of the cladding panel, the plurality of fastenersare integrally formed in the second surface of the structural frame.

According to another example aspect, a system for covering an exteriorsurface of a building is provided, the system comprising a plurality ofany of the cladding panels described herein; wherein the buildingcomprises a plurality of assembled modular units; and wherein each ofthe plurality of cladding panels is affixed to one or more of themodular units.

In some embodiments of the system, one or more of the cladding panelshas a width of at least two of the plurality of modular units that arelaterally adjacent to each other.

According to another example aspect, a method of covering an externalsurface of a building is provided, the method comprising: producing acladding panel comprising a structural frame, a substrate attached to afirst, external, surface of the structural frame, and a plurality offasteners that are attached to a second, internal, surface of thestructural frame, the plurality of fasteners being arranged according toa predetermined pattern; the method further comprising: attaching eachof the plurality of fasteners to a corresponding one of a plurality ofcladding alignment features on the external surface of the building; andarranging the plurality of cladding alignment features on the externalsurface of the building according to the predetermined pattern, suchthat each of the plurality of fasteners is configured for alignmentwith, and attachment to, one of the plurality of cladding alignmentfeatures.

In some embodiments of the method, producing the cladding panelcomprises forming one or more openings through an entire thickness ofthe substrate, each of the one or more openings corresponding to anopening formed in the external surface of the building.

In some embodiments, the method comprises attaching a siding material toa surface of the substrate opposite a surface of the substrate by whichthe substrate is attached to the structural frame.

In some embodiments of the method, the building comprises a plurality ofmodular units assembled together to form the building.

In some embodiments of the method, the plurality of cladding alignmentfeatures are rigidly attached to connectors affixed to exterior surfacesof each of the plurality of modular units.

In some embodiments of the method, each of the plurality of fastenerscomprises a tapered slot; each of the plurality of cladding alignmentfeatures comprises an alignment peg; each alignment peg comprises acollar and a head attached to an end of the collar, the head having awidth that is greater than a width of the collar; and the width of thehead is greater than a width of a narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the method, each tapered slot is oriented suchthat, when the cladding panel is affixed to the building, the narrow endof the tapered slot aligned so that gravity acts to retain the alignmentpeg within the narrow end of the tapered slot.

In some embodiments of the method, the substrate comprises a waterprooffinish panel.

In some embodiments of the method, the cladding panel is attached to thebuilding such that a gap exists between the substrate and the externalsurface of the building.

In some embodiments, the method comprises filling the gap, eitherpartially or entirely, with a rigid insulation layer.

In some embodiments of the method, the plurality of fasteners areintegrally formed in the second surface of the structural frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric rear view of an example embodiment of a claddingpanel for mounting to an exterior of a structure, particularly to astructure constructed from a plurality of modular units.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the example cladding panel of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of the example cladding panel of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The accompanying figures and description are merely examples of a singleexample embodiment for modular cladding panels and cladding systems forbuildings, as well as methods of production, assembly, and use therefor.As such, the foregoing description and accompanying figures areillustrative and are not to be used to limit the scope of the presentlydisclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one having ordinaryskill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matterbelongs. Although, any methods, devices, and materials similar orequivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice ortesting of the presently disclosed subject matter, representativemethods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, includingthe claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a fastener hole” caninclude a plurality of such fastener holes, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of length,diameter, width, and so forth used in the specification and claims areto be understood as being modified in all instances by the terms “about”or “approximately”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in this specification and attached claimsare approximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately,” when referring toa value or to a length, width, diameter, temperature, time, volume,concentration, percentage, etc., is meant to encompass variations of insome embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in someembodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations areappropriate for the disclosed apparatuses and devices.

The term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including” “containing”or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is a termof art used in claim language which means that the named elements areessential, but other elements can be added and still form a constructwithin the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step,or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of”appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediatelyfollowing the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in thatclause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scopeof a claim to the specified materials or steps, plus those that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimedsubject matter.

With respect to the terms “comprising”, “consisting of”, and “consistingessentially of”, where one of these three terms is used herein, thepresently disclosed and claimed subject matter can include the use ofeither of the other two terms.

As used herein, the term “and/or” when used in the context of a listingof entities, refers to the entities being present singly or incombination. Thus, for example, the phrase “A, B, C, and/or D” includesA, B, C, and D individually, but also includes any and all combinationsand sub-combinations of A, B, C, and D.

FIG. 1 is an isometric rear view of an example embodiment of a claddingpanel system, generally designated 10, the system including a pluralityof cladding panels, generally designated 100, which are suitable forattaching over an exterior of a building (e.g., as a cover for anysuitable structure, including a residential and/or commercial structure)to resist and/or prevent the intrusion of wind, precipitation (e.g.,rain, snow, sleet, etc.), or other flying objects or debris through theexterior surface of the building. As shown in FIG. 1 , each claddingpanel 100 comprises a substrate, or finish panel 110, that is rigidlyattached to a lightweight structural frame 130. Non-limiting examples ofmaterials that can be used in constructing and/or forming the finishpanel 110 include plastics, metals, ceramic (e.g., cement and/or fibercement), composite materials, wood (e.g., including man-made woodderivatives), and combinations thereof.

The structural frame 130 can have any suitably rigid construction,without limitation, based on the environmental conditions to which thecladding panel 100 will be exposed when installed on the building. Inthe example embodiment shown, the structural frame 130 comprises aplurality of vertical stiffeners 132 and a plurality of horizontalstiffeners 134. The vertical stiffeners 132 are attached to thehorizontal stiffeners 134 at substantially 90° angles (e.g., +/−5°,+/−2°, +/−1°, exactly 90°, and the like, allowing for manufacturing andassembly tolerances). The structural frame 130 may also have stiffeners,instead of and/or in addition to the vertical stiffeners 132 and thehorizontal stiffeners 134, that are arranged relative to otherstiffeners and/or the gravity vector at neither 0° or 90°, such asbetween about 15° and about 75°, between about 30° and about 60°, andabout 45°. Since the cladding panels 100 are supported by the modularunit(s) of the building to which they are each attached, respectively,the cladding panels 100 are not, in some embodiments, load=bearingstructures of the building and, as such, the quantity of stiffeners canbe minimized (e.g., only providing a sufficient quantity to achieve aspecified rigidity for a cladding panel 100 in a particular installationenvironment). Non-limiting example of materials that can be used in thestructural frame 130 can include plastics, metals, composite materials,wood (e.g., including man-made wood derivatives), and combinationsthereof.

In some example embodiments, the finishing panel 110 is a substrate(e.g., a non-decorative panel) and acts as a surface to which anysuitable type of siding material (e.g., wood boards, lap shingles, vinylsiding, masonry, stone, faux masonry, faux stone, and the like) may beaffixed. The structural frame 130 is designed to have sufficientrigidity such that the cladding panel 100 can be securely (e.g.,rigidly) attached onto the exterior surface of the modular unit(s) ofthe building. In some embodiments, the structural frame 130 may bedesigned to allow for amounts of deformation of the cladding panel 100that would not damage (e.g., as may occur due to plastic deformationthereof) the finish panel 110. In some embodiments, the structural frame130 is sufficiently rigid that the structural frame 130 is not deformed(e.g., only negligibly and/or imperceptibly) by the weight of thefinishing panel 110 when the cladding panel 100 is suspended in the air(e.g., such as may be necessary during installation of the claddingpanel onto the exterior of the modular unit(s) of the building).

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , each finish panel 100 of thefinish panel system 10 has two openings, generally designated 112,formed through the entire thickness of the finish panel 100. Thestructural frame 130 is designed such that no portion of the structuralframe 130 (e.g., no vertical stiffeners 132 or horizontal stiffeners134) is visible through the opening 112 from the side of the structuralframe 130 on which the finish panel 110 is attached. The quantity ofopenings 112 in each finish panel 110 (and, therefore necessarily, ineach cladding panel 100) is generally determined based on the number ofopenings in the exterior wall and/or surface of the modular unit(s) towhich the cladding panel 100 is attached during construction of thebuilding. Non-limiting examples of such openings can include windows,doors, vents, and the like. As such, each cladding panel 100 isspecifically manufactured (e.g., during off-site pre-fabrication) suchthat the position and size of any openings 112 formed in each claddingpanel 100 corresponds precisely to the position and size of any openingsformed in the exterior of the modular unit(s) over which the claddingpanel 100 is to be affixed. In embodiments in which the exterior wall ofthe modular unit(s) over which the cladding panel 100 is to be affixedhas no openings formed therein, the cladding panel 100 may also have noopenings 112 therein; thus, in some embodiments, one or more claddingpanels 100 of the cladding panel system 10 are devoid of any openings112. In some embodiments, the cladding panel may have, formed on anexterior surface thereof (e.g., on a surface opposite the structuralframe 130), a faux opening that is merely decorative. Such a fauxopening may thus be designed to have a substantially identicalappearance to that of an opening 112 formed on the same cladding panel100 and/or on another cladding panel 100 of the cladding panel system10, but such faux opening is located on the cladding panel 100 at aposition behind which, when the cladding panel 100 is attached to thebuilding, there is no opening formed in the external wall of the modularunit(s) of the building. Such faux openings can be advantageous formaintaining symmetry of an exterior of a building. In some embodiments,the cladding panel 100 is pre-fabricated to have a solid finish panel110 and openings 112 may be cut through the finish panel 110 on-site(e.g., away from the prefabrication site, before or after the claddingpanel 100 is attached to the building) to accommodate openings 112formed in the exterior wall of the modular unit(s) over which thecladding panel 100 is designated to be affixed. In such embodiments, itis advantageous for at least the vertical stiffeners 132 and/orhorizontal stiffeners 134 of the structural frame 130 to be movable(e.g., to a position outside of the opening 112 to be cut) and/or forsuch vertical stiffeners 132 and/or horizontal stiffeners 134 to beprovided redundantly so that the structural frame 130 is notcompromised.

Fasteners 200 are rigidly affixed according to a predetermined patternon and across the structural frame 130 (e.g., on the vertical stiffeners132 and/or horizontal stiffeners 134). The fasteners 200 can be of anysuitable type and/or sort that is compatible with a correspondingcladding alignment feature rigidly attached to the exterior of thebuilding (e.g., such as connectors 2) on which the cladding panel 100 isdesignated to be installed. These cladding alignment features arerigidly affixed to the exterior of the building according to the samepredetermined pattern as are the fasteners 200, such that the fasteners200 of the cladding panel 100 aligns with the cladding alignmentfeatures on the exterior of the building. In the example embodimentshown, the fasteners 200 are tapered slots formed in a bracket that areconfigured to be inserted over an alignment peg in a connector 2, whichis rigidly affixed to the exterior of the building and, particularly, tolower and upper edges and/or corners of each modular unit for a buildingbeing constructed of modular units. As such, the fasteners 200 arepositioned such that the tapered slots associated therewith arepositioned to that the alignment peg of the connector 2 rests within awider portion of the tapered slot of the fastener 200; the claddingpanel 100 is shifted (e.g., vertically, in the direction of the gravityvector) so that the alignment peg moves from the wider portion of thetapered slot into the narrower portion of the tapered slot, meaning thatthe alignment peg is positioned within the narrow end of the taperedslot. The fastener 200 is formed such that the alignment peg cannot beremoved from the narrow portion, or end, of the tapered slot withoutshifting the cladding panel 100 in a reverse direction (e.g.,vertically, in the direction opposite the gravity vector) so that thealignment peg is again positioned in the wider portion of the taperedslot. Thus, the wider portion of the tapered slot has a width that iswider than the diameter of the alignment peg and the narrower portion ofthe tapered slot has a width that is narrower than the diameter of thealignment peg, such that the alignment peg can be inserted within andremoved from the tapered slot of the fastener 200 only via the widerportion. In such embodiments, the alignment peg has a collar thatextends away from the exterior surface of the connector 2 to which thecladding panel 100 is to be affixed and, at an end of the collar awayfrom the exterior surface, a head that extends away from the collar andhas a width (e.g., diameter) that is greater than the width (e.g.,diameter) of the collar, such that the head can extend into the taperedslot of the fastener 200.

In some embodiments, the positioning of the alignment peg and thetapered slots is reversed from that which is described hereinabove, suchthat the tapered slots are rigidly affixed to the exterior surface ofthe connector 2 to which the cladding panel 100 is to be affixed and thealignment pegs are rigidly attached to the structural frame 130 (e.g.,to the vertical stiffeners 132 and/or horizontal stiffeners 134). Insome embodiments, the tapered slots are formed so that the force ofgravity will, during installation, pull the cladding panel 100 in avertically downward direction to engage the alignment peg within thenarrow portion of the tapered slot of the fastener 200. The fasteners200 and the cladding alignment features of the connectors 2 provided anddescribed herein are merely examples and different kinds of attachments,including lockable attachments, are also suitable for use herein. Insome embodiments, the tapered slots have a pivoting, or rotating, member(e.g., in the form of a finger or arm) that pivots from a closedposition, in which the pivoting member blocks some or all of the taperedslot of the fastener 200, into an open position, in which the pivotingmember is configured to allow passage of the alignment peg into thenarrower portion of the tapered slot, then the pivoting member returnsto the closed position (e.g., by being spring loaded or gravityassisted), such that the alignment peg cannot be removed from thenarrower portion of the tapered slot without first moving (e.g.,manually, with a tool, etc.) the pivoting member into the open position,such that the pivoting member no longer obstructs the removal of thealignment peg from the narrower portion of the tapered slot (e.g., asmay be necessary for removal of a cladding panel 100 from the building).As such, the pivoting member is configured to act as a lock of sorts.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a cladding panel 100 attached to an externalsurface of a volumetric box 1 (e.g., a modular unit, such as is usedduring construction of a building constructed by assembling andinterconnecting together a plurality of modular units according to aconstruction plan, diagram, schematic, blueprints, and the like).Examples of structures contained within and/or defining the size of suchvolumetric boxes 1 include floors, ceilings, and walls that defineand/or create interior one or more spaces within the building. Thesevolumetric boxes 1 are then stacked and arranged in specificconfigurations per the schematics (e.g., design blueprints) for thebuilding being constructed. The cladding panels 100 are advantageouslypre-fabricated at a site (e.g., a factory) located a distance away from(e.g., by a distance requiring transport of the cladding panels 100 overpublic roadways) the site where the building to which the claddingpanels 100 will be affixed is being constructed. After off-siteprefabrication, the cladding panels 100 are transported to the sitewhere the building is being constructed and, optionally, transferred toa staging area thereof. Once the cladding panels 100 are on-site at theconstruction site, the cladding panels 100 are moved (e.g., lifted orhoisted) into a position adjacent to an installation position on thebuilding, the installation position being where the cladding panel 100is designated for affixing to the exterior of the building beingconstructed. Once adjacent to the installation position, the claddingpanels 100 are moved into the installation position and are securelyattached to the building to cover the exterior surface of the building,or at least a portion of the exterior surface of the building. In someembodiments, the cladding panels 100 are pre-fabricated and/or storedfor transport in an order of installation on the exterior of thebuilding to which the cladding panels 100 are to be affixed, such thatthe cladding panels 100 can be installed on and/or over the exteriorsurface of the building in the order of manufacture, in the order ofarrival at the construction site, and/or in the order of arrangementwithin a plurality of such cladding panels 100 that are transportedtogether to the construction site (e.g., in such a manner that multiplecladding panels 100 can be said to arrive at the construction sitesubstantially simultaneously.

The cladding panels 100 are configured for assembly over the exteriorsurface of the building (e.g., over a portion of a volumetric box 1, allof a volumetric box 1, portions of multiple volumetric boxes 1, all ofone volumetric box 1 and one or more portions of at least one othervolumetric box 1, or all of multiple volumetric boxes 1) to minimize thenumber of vertical seams present between laterally adjacent claddingpanels 100 of the cladding panel system 10 on the finished building byspanning multiple volumetric boxes 1, or modular units. In someembodiments, the lateral sides, or ends, of the finish panel 110 of oneor more of (e.g., each and/or all of) the cladding panels 100 may bestaggered (e.g., have a geometric, non-linear, lateral end face, oredge) such that the lateral side of a first cladding panel 100 is shapedto interleave with a matching (e.g., having a reverse, or mirrored)shape of the lateral end face, or edge, thereof of a laterally adjacent(e.g., adjoining) second cladding panel 100, such that the vertical seamformed between laterally adjacent cladding panels is broken up (e.g.,discontinuous, such as in the case of not being a single vertical line)along the height (e.g., along the lateral edge) of the cladding panel100, such that one or more of the lateral edges of the cladding panel100 is subdivided into and/or formed a plurality of shorter verticalseams (e.g., edges) that may be less easily visible to an observerstanding outside of the building. Horizontally-extending joints formedbetween vertically adjacent cladding panels 100 can be expressed (e.g.,left visible) or hidden, for example, by partially overlapping (e.g., inthe style of a tongue-and-groove interface) a lower cladding panel 100with an upper cladding panel 100.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the cladding panels 100 of the cladding panelsystem 10 form, when affixed to an exterior of a volumetric box 1, agap, generally designated 112, between the exterior weather-resistivesurface of the volumetric box 1 and the adjoining surface of thecladding panel 100 (e.g., the surface of the cladding panel 100 thatfaces the volumetric box 1 when affixed thereto). In some embodiments,this gap 112 is left vacant and is operable as an air gap that canadvantageously act as a rainscreen that is beneficial to the longevityof the exterior weather-resistive surface of the volumetric box 1. Insome embodiments, however, the gap 112 may be filled with substantiallyrigid insulation (e.g., in sheet form, which can attach to the claddingpanel 100 on a surface thereof, opposite the finish panel 110 orsubstrate, within the gap 112 or injected within the gap 112, such as inthe manner of a foam). In such embodiments having insulation within thegap 112, a substantially continuous insulation barrier may be providedbetween the finish panel 110 and the exterior weather-resistive surfaceof the volumetric box 1 to improve the insulation of the building whenfully constructed, thereby improving the energy loss characteristics ofthe building (e.g., by reducing heat loss during periods when theambient temperature is less than an interior temperature of the buildingor heat gain during periods when the ambient temperature is greater thanan interior temperature of the building).

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , a connector 2 is rigidlyattached to a surface (e.g., at a corner and/or along an edge) of avolumetric box 1. In order to provide isolation (e.g., acoustic,vibratory, and the like) between vertically adjacent volumetric boxes 1,it is advantageous for a vibration-reducing layer, or pad 4 attached tothe bottom surface of the volumetric box 1, such that the pad 4 will bepositioned between vertically stacked volumetric boxes 1, such that thepad 4 is in direct contact with the volumetric boxes 1 positioneddirectly below and directly above the pad 4. The connector 2 can be ofthe sort disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63/112,484, thecontents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Extendingfrom the connector 2 is a cladding alignment feature 3, which is shownin this example embodiment in the form of a peg that protrudes from thesurface of the connector and has a collar portion that is attacheddirectly to the connector 2 and a head portion that is attached directlyto the collar and is spaced apart from the connector 2 by the collar;the head has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the collar.

The structural frame 130 has, as noted elsewhere herein, verticalstiffeners 132 and horizontal stiffeners 134, which are arrangedsubstantially orthogonally to each other. At least some (e.g., all) ofthe vertical stiffeners 130 have a slot formed in a surface thereof. Theslot has a tapering cross-sectional shape, such that the diameter of thehead of the cladding alignment feature 3 is wider than the narrow end ofthe slot, such that the cladding alignment feature 3 cannot be removedfrom the slot of the vertical stiffener 132 unless vertical stiffener132 is moved vertically, relative to the cladding alignment peg 3, suchthat the cladding alignment feature 3 is within the wider portion of theslot formed in the vertical stiffener 132; in some embodiments, theentire cladding panel 100 must be moved vertically for the claddingalignment feature 3 to be able to be removed from the slot formed in thevertical stiffener 132. In order for the horizontal stiffeners 134 to beattached to the vertical stiffeners 132, some or all of the verticalstiffeners 132 have a bracket 133 attached to a surface thereof (e.g.,an opposite surface of the vertical stiffener 132 from the side in whichthe slot is formed), the bracket 133 having a channel into which one ofthe horizontal stiffeners 134 can be inserted for rigid attachment tothe vertical stiffener 132.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the gap 112 is defined by atleast the thickness of the vertical stiffener 132 and the bracket 133.The horizontal stiffener 134 has a cross-sectional shape in the form ofa step. The word “step,” as used immediately hereinabove, means across-sectional profile defined by first and second planar structuresthat are connected together at the adjacent edges thereof by a thirdplanar structure that is inclined or orthogonal to the first and secondplanar structures, the first and second planar structures extending awayfrom the third planar structure in opposite directions; in someembodiments, the first and second planar structures are positionedwithin planes that are parallel but offset from each other. As such, thegap 112 has a thickness that is greater than a combined thickness of oneof the vertical stiffeners 132 and one of the horizontal stiffeners 134.

The horizontal stiffeners 134 are rigidly attached to the finish panel110 (e.g., on the surface of the finish panel 110 that, when installedon the exterior surface of the building, faces towards the gap 112).Thus, in some embodiments, the vertical stiffeners 132 may be attachedto the exterior surface of the building separately from (e.g.,individually, separate from) the horizontal stiffeners 134. In someembodiments, the horizontal stiffeners 134 are rigidly attached to thevertical stiffeners 132 before the cladding panel 100 is installed tothe exterior surface of the building. The finish panel 110 isadvantageously constructed out of a waterproof material, such that watercannot pass through the finish panel 110 and be exposed to the gap 112,or to any insulation present within the gap 112. The components of thestructural frame 130 are advantageously made of a material that does notcorrode and/or degrade when exposed to water; examples of such materialscan include, for example, aluminum, plastic, wood, and the like. In someembodiments, the components of the structural frame 130 can be partiallyand/or fully encapsulated to prevent corrosion caused by exposure towater before and/or while installed on the exterior surface of thebuilding.

The present subject matter can be embodied in other forms withoutdeparture from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. Theembodiments described therefore are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. Although the present subject matterhas been described in terms of certain specific embodiments, otherembodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art arealso within the scope of the present subject matter.

1. A cladding panel for covering an external surface of a building, thecladding panel comprising: a structural frame; a substrate attached to afirst, external, surface of the structural frame; and a plurality offasteners that are formed on a second, internal, surface of thestructural frame, the plurality of fasteners being arranged according toa predetermined pattern; wherein each of the plurality of fasteners isconfigured for attachment to a corresponding one of a plurality ofcladding alignment features attached on the external surface of thebuilding; and wherein the plurality of cladding alignment features arearranged on the external surface of the building according to thepredetermined pattern, such that each of the plurality of fasteners isconfigured for alignment with, and attachment to, one of the pluralityof cladding alignment features.
 2. The cladding panel of claim 1,comprising one or more openings formed entirely through a thickness ofthe substrate, each of the one or more openings corresponding to anopening formed in the external surface of the building.
 3. The claddingpanel of claim 1, comprising a siding material attached to a surface ofthe substrate that is opposite a surface of the substrate by which thesubstrate is attached to the structural frame.
 4. The cladding panel ofclaim 1, wherein: each of the plurality of fasteners comprises a taperedslot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment features comprises analignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and a head attachedto an end of the collar, the head having a width that is greater than awidth of the collar; and the width of the head is greater than a widthof a narrow end of the tapered slot.
 5. The cladding panel of claim 4,wherein each tapered slot is oriented such that, when the cladding panelis affixed to the building, the alignment peg is moved into the narrowend of the tapered slot and held in place by a gravitational force. 6.The cladding panel of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises awaterproof finish panel.
 7. The cladding panel of claim 1, comprising agap between the substrate and the external surface of the building whenthe cladding panel is installed on an exterior surface of the building.8. The cladding panel of claim 7, wherein the gap is filled, eitherpartially or entirely, with a rigid insulation layer.
 9. The claddingpanel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fasteners are formed in thesecond surface of the structural frame in a unitary manner.
 10. A systemfor covering an external surface of a building, the system comprising: aplurality of cladding alignment features attached to the externalsurface of the building according to a predetermined pattern; and aplurality of cladding panels, each of the plurality of cladding panelscomprising: a structural frame; a substrate attached to a first,external, surface of the structural frame; and a plurality of fastenersthat are formed on a second, internal, surface of the structural frame,the plurality of fasteners being arranged according to the predeterminedpattern, such that each of the plurality of fasteners is configured foralignment with one of the plurality of cladding alignment features;wherein each of the plurality of fasteners is configured for attachmentto a corresponding one of the plurality of cladding alignment features.11. The system of claim 10, wherein the building comprises a pluralityof modular units assembled together to form the building, and whereinone or more of the cladding panels has a width of at least two of theplurality of modular units that are laterally adjacent to each other.12. The system of claim 10, wherein the building comprises a pluralityof modular units assembled together to form the building, and whereineach of the plurality of cladding panels is configured for affixing toone or more of the plurality of modular units.
 13. The system of claim12, comprising a plurality of connectors affixed to exterior surfaces ofeach of the plurality of modular units, wherein the plurality ofcladding alignment features are rigidly attached to and extend from theconnectors for engagement with the fasteners, and wherein adjacent onesof the plurality of connectors interlock with each other to secureadjacent ones of the plurality of modular units together.
 14. The systemof claim 10, wherein one or more of the plurality of cladding panelscomprises one or more openings formed entirely through a thickness ofthe substrate thereof, each of the one or more openings corresponding toan opening formed in the external surface of the building.
 15. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of cladding panelscomprises a siding material attached to a surface of the substrate thatis opposite a surface of the substrate by which the substrate isattached to the structural frame.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein:for one or more of the plurality of cladding panels, each of theplurality of fasteners comprises a tapered slot; each of the pluralityof cladding alignment features comprises an alignment peg; eachalignment peg comprises a collar and a head attached to an end of thecollar, the head having a width that is greater than a width of thecollar; and the width of the head is greater than a width of a narrowend of the tapered slot.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein eachtapered slot is oriented such that, when one of the plurality ofcladding panels is affixed to the external surface of the building, thealignment peg is moved into the narrow end of the tapered slot and heldin place by a gravitational force.
 18. The system of claim 10, whereinthe substrate comprises a waterproof finish panel.
 19. The system ofclaim 10, wherein each of the plurality of cladding panels comprises agap between the substrate and the external surface of the building whenthe plurality of cladding panels is installed on an exterior surface ofthe building.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the gap is filled,either partially or entirely, with a rigid insulation layer.
 21. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fasteners are integrallyformed in the second surface of the structural frame.
 22. A method ofcovering an external surface of a building, the method comprising:producing a plurality of cladding panels, each of the plurality ofcladding panels comprising: a structural frame; a substrate attached toa first, external, surface of the structural frame; and a plurality offasteners that are formed on a second, internal, surface of thestructural frame, the plurality of fasteners being arranged according toa predetermined pattern; arranging a plurality of cladding alignmentfeatures on the external surface of the building according to thepredetermined pattern; aligning each of the plurality of fasteners witha corresponding one of the plurality of cladding alignment features onthe external surface of the building; and attaching each of theplurality of fasteners to the corresponding one of the plurality ofcladding alignment features.
 23. The method of claim 22, whereinproducing the plurality of cladding panels comprises, for one or more ofthe plurality of cladding panels, forming one or more openings throughan entire thickness of the substrate, each of the one or more openingscorresponding to an opening formed in the external surface of thebuilding.
 24. The method of claim 22, comprising attaching a sidingmaterial to a surface of the substrate that is opposite a surface of thesubstrate by which the substrate is attached to the structural frame.25. The method of claim 22, wherein the building comprises a pluralityof modular units assembled together to form the building.
 26. The methodof claim 25, wherein the plurality of cladding alignment features arerigidly attached to connectors affixed to exterior surfaces of each ofthe plurality of modular units.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein: forone or more of the plurality of cladding panels, each of the pluralityof fasteners comprises a tapered slot; each of the plurality of claddingalignment features comprises an alignment peg; each alignment pegcomprises a collar and a head attached to an end of the collar, the headhaving a width that is greater than a width of the collar; and the widthof the head is greater than a width of a narrow end of the tapered slot.28. The method of claim 27, comprising orienting each tapered slot suchthat, when the plurality of cladding panels is affixed to the building,the alignment peg is moved into the narrow end of the tapered slot andheld in place by a gravitational force.
 29. The method of claim 22,wherein the substrate comprises a waterproof finish panel.
 30. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the plurality of cladding panels is attachedto the building such that a gap exists between the substrate and theexternal surface of the building.
 31. The method of claim 30, comprisingfilling the gap, either partially or entirely, with a rigid insulationlayer.
 32. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality offasteners is formed in the second surface of the structural frame in aunitary manner.
 33. A building comprising: a plurality of modular unitsassembled together to form the building; a plurality of connectorsaffixed to exterior surfaces of each of the plurality of modular units,the plurality of connectors comprising a plurality of cladding alignmentfeatures, wherein the plurality of cladding alignment features arerigidly attached to and extend from an external surface of the buildingaccording to a predetermined pattern; and a plurality of claddingpanels, each of the plurality of cladding panels comprising: astructural frame; a substrate attached to a first, external, surface ofthe structural frame; and a plurality of fasteners that are formed on asecond, internal, surface of the structural frame, the plurality offasteners being arranged according to the predetermined pattern, suchthat each of the plurality of fasteners is configured for alignment withone of the plurality of cladding alignment features; wherein each of theplurality of fasteners is configured for attachment to a correspondingone of the plurality of cladding alignment features; wherein each of theplurality of cladding panels is affixed to one or more of the pluralityof modular units.
 34. The building of claim 33, wherein the buildingcomprises a plurality of modular units assembled together to form thebuilding.
 35. The building of claim 34, comprising a plurality ofconnectors affixed to exterior surfaces of each of the plurality ofmodular units, wherein the plurality of cladding alignment features arerigidly attached to and extend from the connectors for engagement withthe fasteners, and wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of connectorsinterlock with each other to secure adjacent ones of the plurality ofmodular units together.
 36. The building of claim 33, wherein one ormore of the plurality of cladding panels comprises one or more openingsformed entirely through a thickness of the substrate thereof, each ofthe one or more openings corresponding to an opening formed in theexternal surface of the building.
 37. The building of claim 33, whereineach of the plurality of cladding panels comprises a siding materialattached to a surface of the substrate that is opposite a surface of thesubstrate by which the substrate is attached to the structural frame.38. The building of claim 33, wherein: for one or more of the pluralityof cladding panels, each of the plurality of fasteners comprises atapered slot; each of the plurality of cladding alignment featurescomprises an alignment peg; each alignment peg comprises a collar and ahead attached to an end of the collar, the head having a width that isgreater than a width of the collar; and the width of the head is greaterthan a width of a narrow end of the tapered slot.
 39. The building ofclaim 38, wherein each tapered slot is oriented such that, when one ofthe plurality of cladding panels is affixed to the external surface ofthe building, the alignment peg is moved into the narrow end of thetapered slot and held in place by a gravitational force.
 40. Thebuilding of claim 33, wherein the substrate comprises a waterprooffinish panel.
 41. The building of claim 33, wherein each of theplurality of cladding panels comprises a gap between the substrate andthe external surface of the building when the plurality of claddingpanels is installed on the exterior surface of the building.
 42. Thebuilding of claim 41, wherein the gap is filled, either partially orentirely, with a rigid insulation layer.
 43. The building of claim 33,wherein the plurality of fasteners are integrally formed in the secondsurface of the structural frame.